Retirement leaves open a lot of free time for a person, and that is no different for Michael Phelps. The 22-time Olympic medalist has spoken about playing more golf after the 2012 London Summer Olympics, but also spoke on competing once again but on the dance floor.
In a report from Us Weekly, Phelps said he's open to the idea of appearing on ABC's Dancing with the Stars.
Phelps won't be the first Olympian to step foot on the popular dance show. Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, figure skater Evan Lysacek, boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., soccer player Hope Solo, beach volleyball player Misty May Treanor, gymnast Shawn Johnson are just a few Olympians that competed on the show.
Phelps has already spoken to previous Olympic contestants on their experience.
"I haven't really been known for my dancing. I know everyone who's done it - I've talked to [Ohno] and [swimmer Natalie Coughlin] about it, and they said they've enjoyed it and had a blast. I won't say I'm ruling anything out, who knows?"
Phelps isn't the only swimmer thinking about dancing for the show, as Ryan Lochte also told Us Weekly he wouldn't rule the possibility.
"Since I'm so used to competing against Michael Phelps, I'd have him on the [Dancing with the Stars]," he said. "I could do 'Dancing with the Stars'! Yeah, I think so."
Phelps and Lochte will have to wait till spring 2013, the latest, for the opportunity to enter the show as the upcoming 15th season will feature previous contestants from the past 14 seasons.
Phelps said he'll thoroughly enjoy the early retirement, stating the biggest aspect for him is to relax.
"I want to be on my own time and waking up in the morning thinking 'I wanna go here' and then just getting up and doing it. It's kinda cool that I'll have that freedom," said Phelps. "It's kinda cool just not having anything to do."
Surely to accompany him during his retirement is his girlfriend Megan Rossee. She's been seen with him since his swimming competitions in London concluded.
Phelps has been quiet when the topic of Rossee comes up, recently at an Olympics press conference when Associated Press reporter Paul Newberry asked the 18-time gold medalist about her.
"It's great to have a lot of support from my family and friends," said Phelps, who then broke into a smile.
Phelps has been friends with Rossee for a while, even introducing her on Twitter in February. She created the account over a year ago but seldom uses it. The model has been a bit more active on the social media site, and posted pictures of and with Phelps and his Olympic medals.
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